Dallas Mavericks' rookie forward, Cooper Flagg, has made a lasting impression with his play. Although it is Flagg's first year in the NBA, he has proven that he is here to stay and has a case to win Rookie of the Year. On Friday's episode of "Run It Back," his case as a top-25 player was brought up by host Michelle Beadle.
DeMarcus Cousins clears his stance on Cooper Flagg
It began when Beadle noted that Flagg is one of three players who lead their respective teams in points, rebounds and assists. As per her, the other two players are all-star-caliber Jalen Johnson and three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
Beadle questioned her co-host, DeMarcus Cousins, if he is considered a top-25 player. However, the four-time All-Star doesn't believe the Mavericks rookie should be considered as such.
“No,” Cousins answered. “Let’s stop, let’s slow roll it.
“He’s an extreme talent, he’s also an 18-year-old rookie. So, me saying ‘no’ isn’t a diss to him or his development, or anything like that.
“The league is so talented right now to sit here are say and 18-year-old rookie is already a top-25 player is just a flat out lie. I have all the confidence in the world he will be... Extremely talented kid, I think he’ll continue to get better.”
Cooper Flagg's stats this season
Cooper Flagg has played 37 games, averaging 19.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists. In the past two games, the 6-foot-9 forward has put up 23.0 points per game, 7.0 apg, and 2.0 spg.
Cooper Flagg is starting to feel shooting the basketball
On Thursday's 116-114 defeat against the Utah Jazz, Cooper Flagg guided the Mavericks. The rookie forward amassed 26 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and three steals. An outstanding feat for the former Duke star was his strike from beyond the arc.
Flagg shot 50.0% of his six attempts from beyond the arc. It was a better performance than his last game, against the Sacramento Kings. The 19-year-old star had 20 points and shot 40.0% from downtown.
Although Flagg is not a known shooter, he has started to feel more relaxed making long-range shots. After their loss to the Jazz, he told Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News that he felt more confident making 3-pointers.
Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks are set to face the Chicago Bulls on Saturday to finish their three-game road trip.